Festival preview: The London Word Festival, 7 March – 1 April 2010

London’s pioneering celebration of words, text and language returns for a third year, playing host to the most adventurous programme yet. Bringing to light the finest array of artists working with words.

Independent Bookseller of the Month: Camden Lock Books, Old Street Station, London

Every month we feature a different bookshop – we ask them to tell us what makes them special and what they like most about what they do. This month it’s the turn of Camden Lock Books, located in Old Street Station in London.

Dan Cruickshank on the seamier side of Georgian London

Architectural historian Dan Cruickshank talks to George Miller about his history of the sex industry in Georgian London and its influence on all aspects of the city’s life.

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Paul Theroux on Joyce Cary

The American travel writer and novelist Paul Theroux uncovers the works of a writer inspired by life in West Africa after World War One.

Sam Delaney on being a London Dad

Sam Delaney takes a humourous look at the pros and cons of raising a child in London.

Sarah Hall on How to Paint a Dead Man

Sarah Hall’s How to Paint a Dead Man, her fourth novel, is one of the thirteen books longlisted for this year’s Man Booker Prize. She talks to George Miller about the process of creating her latest work.

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Independent Bookseller of the Month: The Big Green Bookshop, Wood Green, London

Every month we feature a different bookshop – we ask them to tell us what makes them special and what they like most about what they do. This month it’s the turn of The Big Green Bookshop in Wood Green, London

The Booklist: Shimmering Cities

Standing tall against the wind and rain, bathed in sunshine and heat haze; drifting in the imagination, or seeped in emotion, magic and memories warm and tragic, cities are as fertile as the earth for the written word.

Read an extract of Martyr by Rory Clements

England is close to war. Within days the axe could fall on the neck of Mary Queen of Scots, and Spain is already gathering a battle fleet to avenge her. Tensions in Elizabeth I’s government are at breaking point.

We have an extract of Rory Clements’ thrilling 16th century adventure…

Independent Bookseller of the Month: The Bookseller Crow on the Hill, Crystal Palace, London

Every month we feature a different bookshop – we ask them to tell us what makes them special and what they like most about what they do. This month it’s the turn of The Bookseller Crow on the Hill, in Crystal Palace, South London.